St. Paul, MN – In honor and remembrance of Navy SEAL Chief Special Warfare Operator John Weston Faas, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Monday, August 22, 2011.

Chief Special Warfare Operator Faas, of Minneapolis, was thirty-one years old, and a 1998 graduate of Minnehaha Academy High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999, and became a member of the Navy SEALS in 2001. Chief Special Warfare Operator Faas earned numerous medals, including the Bronze Star Medal (3) and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He died a hero on Saturday, August 6, 2011 in Afghanistan during combat operations.

At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies it’s flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota military personnel killed in the line of duty, on the day of interment.